FM Erie Builts

From the bookErie-Builts and H20-44's by David R. Sweetland the ATSF only purchased 3 Erie-Built units and all had the PA style trucks on them. In 1963 the underperforming units were retired and traded into GE for the U25b credit.

so If you are looking at the MTh erie-builts, they will have the incorrect trucks on them for the ATSF as well as the PRR units. The Atlas O units are the way to go!

Many Thanks for that info. Its to bad MTH didn't do the UP version with the mean chopped roof, I really like that look. The trucks would have been just right then. So ye! its a choose MTH, Atlas or brass, or!

                                                    Bob I saw those trucks, but got distracted and missed biding, but I had no idea that someone made castings for a model. Ive thought that building, or doing some moulds of my own might be grate (they' be 17/64) but realistically how many projects can you have going at once.    Stephen      (cTr...Choose the Right)

Stephen , UP's version of the FM Erie Built (rd# 652-57) series match Atlas's pretty much dead nuts, at least with regard to trucks or wind shield.  When you say  "chopped roof" are you referring to early model rectangular windshield aka the "B-17" version ? UP did buy the Erie Built demonstrators(650A-B,651 which I would guess had that windshield and the custom factory trucks) but it would not be representative for the rest of that model on their roster.

Bob, are you familiar with LWS's Erie Built? I see Mr. L listed them for about six years.

Pete

Pete    Thats the one! the B-17 or demonstrator you mentioned, with the rectangular windshield, looks great!      Stephen    (cTr....Choose the Right)

Agreed looks great, gives them a different "countenance" then the later "C-Liner-like" version. KCS and Milwaukee Road had this early version as well. 

The fabricated trucks are interesting too, I know that both KCS and NYC's had them, though not sure on all of their Erie builts

Per my question to Bob I look forward to seeing how LWS handled this, built up or as kits they've have been allusive on the second hand market. 

I knew Jan and respected his knowledge.  Liked the guy, and was not happy when he had his stroke.  His kits left a lot to be desired - they are for more advanced modelers than I.  He did have the Penn-Erie castings, and they were quite good.  But I think somebody else made the masters.  Most of his Diesels used "Bell metal", whatever that is.

The model I sort of lust after is sand cast brass, probably done in the Adams foundry.  The trucks were the factory "Built up" versions.  I too prefer the "B-17" windshield, but so far I do not know what the matching nose and sides look like.

I do have more than my share of other cast brass Diesels, so if I never find these pieces it will not be a big deal.

Bell metal is bronze, usually around 4:1 copper/tin.

The metal Jan used was Britannia a form of Putter, its a soft low melting metal. If MTH re-runs these maybe we might get the UP, KCS, Milwaukee colours , I seem to remember the Milwaukee had fluted stainless sides,all we need is a resin insert to give us the B-17 look, or they could give us the production trucks, they already do them for there C-liner B- C truck set up.     Stephen   (cTr...Choose the Right)